In 2013, a whimsical and peculiar petition emerged on the official White House petition website, We the People, that captured the attention of both the media and the public. The petition, titled "Secure resources and funding, and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016," humorously urged the United States government to embark on the construction of a fictional space station, famously known as the Death Star from the Star Wars franchise. While the petition was undoubtedly lighthearted, the response from the White House provided a touch of bureaucratic wit and a lesson in fiscal responsibility.

The petition, which garnered over 34,000 signatures, was created by a Star Wars enthusiast, who crafted a clever and entertaining argument for building the Death Star. The petitioner humorously contended that constructing this fictional weapon would bolster national defense, create jobs, and "strengthen our national defense." It was a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the often extravagant and questionable projects that occasionally find their way into government spending.

In an equally tongue-in-cheek response, the White House issued an official statement through its science and space policy advisor, Paul Shawcross. The response, titled "This Isn't the Petition Response You're Looking For," utilized a playful tone, replete with references to the Star Wars universe. Shawcross began by acknowledging the creativity of the petition but swiftly pointed out the impracticality and fiscal irresponsibility of constructing a Death Star.

The response humorously outlined the astronomical cost of building a Death Star, estimating it to be in the ballpark of $850 quadrillion, which is several thousand times the entire global GDP. Additionally, Shawcross quipped that the administration did not support the destruction of planets, a reference to the Death Star's infamous capability in the Star Wars narrative.

While the response was a humorous way to address an outlandish request, it also carried a more serious undertone. It served as a reminder of the government's responsibility to allocate resources wisely and prioritize projects that contribute to the well-being and advancement of the nation. By using a fictional concept to highlight real-world budgetary concerns, the government aimed to engage the public in a conversation about the importance of responsible fiscal policy.

The episode of the Death Star petition and its response showcased the evolving nature of citizen engagement with government through online platforms. We the People was designed to be a platform where citizens could express their concerns and ideas directly to the White House, and the humorous petitions often brought attention to various issues while maintaining a sense of levity.

In the end, while the Death Star petition was a playful and imaginative exercise, it also underscored the importance of responsible governance and fiscal prudence. The combination of fan culture, internet humor, and government response made this episode a memorable and entertaining footnote in the broader narrative of citizen interaction with the political process in the 21st century.